Windows To Go
Windows To Go
Windows To Go is an enterprise feature of Windows® 8 that enables the creation of a Windows To Go workspace that can be booted from a USB-connected external drive on PCs that meet the Windows 7 or Windows 8 certification requirements, regardless of the operating system running on the PC. Windows To Go workspaces can use the same image enterprises use for their desktops and laptops and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings. Rather, it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios. There are some additional considerations that you should keep in mind before you start to use Windows To Go:
Windows To Go: Frequently asked questions
With Windows To Go, you can create a copy of Windows 8 on a USB drive and then use it wherever you go. If you’re working from home or traveling, just insert the USB drive in your Windows 7 or Windows 8 PC and you can open and use all the apps and files you need to get your work done. For more info, see Start your PC from a Windows To Go workspace. ( http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/start-windows-to-go-workspace )
What is a Windows To Go workspace? ( http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-to-go-faqs )
A Windows To Go workspace consists of the Windows 8 operating system on a USB drive as well as all the files, folders, and apps that were copied over when the workspace was created.
How do I stop using my Windows To Go workspace and continue working on my PC?
Shut down your Windows To Go workspace, remove the drive, and then start your PC. You shut down your workspace the same way you shut down your PC.
Warning
It’s important that you shut down your Windows To Go workspace completely before you remove the USB drive that contains it; otherwise, you could lose data or damage the operating system. If you do remove the drive by mistake, reinsert it immediately, and wait for Windows To Go to finish shutting down.
What is a Windows image file and where can I find it? (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-to-go-faqs)
A Windows image file (with a .wim extension) contains the operating system, apps, and files of the PC. When you create a Windows To Go workspace, you’ll need to choose an image file. Most of the time, Windows To Go will find the image file, but if it doesn’t, ask your system administrator for help.
What hardware is required to create a Windows To Go workspace? ( http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/windows-to-go-faqs )
To help make sure that the Windows To Go workspace you create works as it should, we recommend only using devices that display the Designed for Windows logo. For a list of these devices, go to the Windows To Go: Feature overview page on the TechNet website.